Lawn mower starter system

ABSTRACT

A lawn mower includes an internal combustion engine, a rotary tool driven by the internal combustion engine, an electric motor coupled to the internal combustion engine and configured to start the internal combustion engine, a receiving port mounted to the internal combustion engine, an energy storage device configured to be selectively inserted into and removed from the receiving port without tools, a first user interface, and a second user interface, wherein the electric motor starts the internal combustion engine upon actuation of the first user interface and the second user interface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/260,206, filed onApr. 23, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/289,613, filed Nov. 4, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,733,072, all ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

The present invention generally relates to internal combustion enginesand outdoor power equipment powered by such engines, such as lawnmowers, snow throwers, portable generators, etc. More specifically, thepresent invention relates to a starter system and energy storage systemfor an engine.

Outdoor power equipment may use an internal combustion engine to drive atool of the equipment, such as a rotary blade of a lawn mower or anaxial cam pump of a pressure washer. Typically the outdoor powerequipment includes a brake mechanism that selectively prevents or stopsrotation of the tool. The brake may stop a flywheel of the engine,correspondingly stopping the crankshaft and rotating tool coupled to thepower takeoff of the crankshaft.

Starting the braked outdoor power equipment may be cumbersome, requiringrelease of the brake followed by activation of the engine. For lawnmowers and other types of outdoor power equipment, release of the brakemay include rotating a bail to draw an inner-wire of a Bowden cable thatlifts the brake mechanism. Then, activation of the engine typicallyfurther includes manually pulling a recoil starter rope or activating anelectric starter for the engine. A need exists for a less-cumbersome andfaster process to start the outdoor power equipment.

Furthermore, the outdoor power equipment may include the engine mountedto a frame or a base plate. If an electric starter is included, thestarter motor is typically connected to an interface on the handle ofthe outdoor power equipment so that the operator may activate thestarter motor while standing in an operational position, such as behindthe handle. During assembly of the outdoor power, a power source,control circuitry, and wiring associated with the starter motor arecoupled to the handle, the frame, and the engine, the attachment ofwhich may be a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. A need existsfor an engine having a starter motor that facilitates efficient assemblyof the outdoor power equipment.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the invention relates to a lawn mower including aninternal combustion engine, a rotary tool driven by the internalcombustion engine, an electric motor coupled to the internal combustionengine and configured to start the internal combustion engine, areceiving port mounted to the internal combustion engine, an energystorage device configured to be selectively inserted into and removedfrom the receiving port without tools, a first user interface, and asecond user interface, wherein the electric motor starts the internalcombustion engine upon actuation of the first user interface and thesecond user interface.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a lawn mower including aninternal combustion engine, an electric motor configured to start theinternal combustion engine, a rotary tool driven by the internalcombustion engine, a brake mechanism for inhibiting rotation at leastone of the implement and the internal combustion engine, a releasemechanism allowing for selective releasing of the brake mechanism, alock-out device configured to selectively prevent release of the brakemechanism, and an interface configured to permit an operator to releasethe lock-out device, wherein the electric motor starts the internalcombustion engine upon actuation of the interface and the releasemechanism.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a lawn mower including afour-stroke air-cooled internal combustion engine including a verticalcrankshaft, a rotary tool driven by the crankshaft, a first air intakefor providing combustion air to the internal combustion engine, a secondair intake for providing cooling air for cooling the internal combustionengine, an electric motor coupled to the internal combustion engine andconfigured to start the internal combustion engine, a control circuitcontrolling operation of the electric motor, a receptacle mounted to theinternal combustion engine, the receptacle electrically coupled to theelectric motor, and a battery removably attached to the receptacle,wherein energy from the battery is provided to the electric motor tostart the internal combustion engine.

Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features andcombinations of features as may be generally recited in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The disclosure will become more fully understood from the followingdetailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingfigures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lawn mower according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a handle for outdoor power equipmentaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a handle for outdoor power equipmentaccording to another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a starter system for an engineaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of components of a starter system foroutdoor power equipment according to an exemplary embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an engine assembly according to anexemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a battery charging station according toan exemplary embodiment of the invention

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a battery being coupled to an engineaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a starter for the engine assembly ofFIG. 6 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of a controller for a starter of an engineaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram of a controller for a starter of an engineaccording to another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a pressure washer according to anexemplary embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplaryembodiments in detail, it should be understood that the presentapplication is not limited to the details or methodology set forth inthe description or illustrated in the figures. It should also beunderstood that the terminology is for the purpose of description onlyand should not be regarded as limiting.

Referring to FIG. 1, outdoor power equipment, in the form of a lawnmower 110, includes an internal combustion engine 112 coupled to arotary tool, such as the blade in a deck 114 of the lawn mower 110, anauger, a saw, tines, a drill, a pump, or other rotary tools. In someembodiments, the lawn mower 110 further includes wheels 116 and arearward extending handle 118 designed to be pushed by an operatorwalking behind the lawn mower 110. In other contemplated embodiments,the outdoor power equipment may be in the form of a rotary tiller, apressure washer, a snow thrower, a lawn tractor or riding mower, anedger, a portable generator, or other equipment, with a correspondingpowered tool, such as tines, a pump, an auger and impeller, analternator, a drive train, or other tools.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the lawn mower 110 includes a starter system.According to an exemplary embodiment, the starter system includes anelectric motor 120 that is selectively coupled to the engine 112 suchthat the electric motor 120 is configured to rotate the crankshaft ofthe engine 112 to start the engine 112, and is then configured todisengage once the engine 112 is running. In some embodiments, the motor120 is fastened to the engine 112, such as being mounted on top of or toa side of the engine 112. Gearing (e.g., gear reduction, transmission)may extend between the motor 120 and the crankshaft of the engine 112,or the motor 120 may be connected directly to the crankshaft of theengine 112.

According to an exemplary embodiment, an operator may engage the startersystem via the handle 118 of the lawn mower 110. In some embodiments,the handle 118 includes a lever 122, button, toggle, or other interfacethat the operator may use to command the starter system to start theengine 112. In some embodiments, the command is relayed from the handle118 via a linkage 124, such as an electric wire transmitting anelectrical signal, a Bowden cable communicating a mechanical signal, oranother type of linkage. In contemplated embodiments, a transmitter andstart button are coupled to the handle (e.g., clipped on, integrallymounted with), and the starter system includes an integrated receiverconfigured to receive commands wirelessly provided by the transmitter tostart the engine. According to an exemplary embodiment, the command fromthe operator is received directly or indirectly by the motor 120, andthe motor 120 rotates the crankshaft to start the engine 112.

In some embodiments, the starter system is integrated with a bail 126 ofthe lawn mower 110. A brake mechanism (e.g., friction brake, ignitioninterrupt switch or circuit, etc.) may be holding the blade or othertool, locking the crankshaft of the engine 112, or otherwise preventingoperation of the power equipment. When the operator actuates the bail126 to release the brake mechanism from rotating members (e.g., blade,crankshaft, power takeoff, flywheel) of the lawn mower 110, the actionsimultaneously actuates the motor 120 to start the engine 112. As such,releasing of the brake mechanism synergistically also starts the engine112, easing operation of the lawn mower 110 or other outdoor powerequipment by reducing the steps necessary for activation.

In some embodiments, the lawn mower 110 includes an interlock 128 (e.g.,lock-out device, signal interrupt) to prevent release of the brake andengagement of the motor 120. According to an exemplary embodiment, theoperator must release the interlock 128 before the bail 126 can beoperated to engage the motor 120 to start the engine 112. Differenttypes of mechanical and electrical interlocks may be used in varyingcontemplated embodiments to prevent inadvertent release of the brake andstarting of the engine, such as when a user moves the power equipmentinto or out of a garage or storage shed by grabbing the handle, or ifthe bail is unintentionally bumped. Furthermore, engagement of theinterlock 128, in some embodiments, is also configured to preventinadvertent release of the brake when the handle 118 is being foldedover the deck 114 to put the lawn mower 110 in a storage configuration.

In some embodiments, the interlock 128 may prevent a signal from beingsent via the linkage 124 to engage the motor 120 and release the brake.The interlock 128 may physically disconnect the linkage 124 from thebail 126, such as by removing a linking pin that joins the bail 126 tothe linkage 124, removing a clamp that holds the linkage 124 to the bail126, or otherwise physically separating the bail 126 and linkage 124.Release of the interlock 128 then physically or electrically connectsthe bail 126 (or other brake release) to the controller 132 (e.g.,control system, control circuit, computerized controller) such thatoperation of the bail 126 is communicated to the controller 132 tosimultaneously start the engine 112.

In other embodiments, the interlock 128 physically prevents (e.g.,blocks, holds, jams) rotation of the bail 126 when the interlock 128 isengaged. In some such embodiments, a cam may be rotated into or out ofthe path of the bail 126, optionally preventing rotation of the bail126. In other such embodiments, a clamp of the interlock 128 may bindthe bail 126 to the handle 118, preventing rotation of the bail 126until released. In still other such embodiments, a sleeve or latch mayslide over the bail 126, holding the bail at a fixed angle untilreleased. The mechanical interlock described in this paragraph may beused in an embodiment where no electrical wiring harness on the handle118 is required to support the starting of the electric motor 120 andengine 112.

In contemplated embodiments, an electrical signal may indicate to thecontroller 132 that the interlock 128 has been released, such as asignal communicated via the linkage 124, via radio frequencycommunication, hardwired, or otherwise. The signal is provided inaddition to a separate signal associated with movement of the bail 126.Without the signal indicating release of the interlock, the signalassociated with movement of the bail will not be sufficient to instructthe controller to start the engine. The electrical signal may beassociated with a pass code, a key, a scanned finger print, or otheraccess-limiting device.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the lever 122 (e.g., interface,release mechanism, trigger) may serve to release the interlock 128,allowing operation of the bail 126 to release the brake and to start themotor 120. In some embodiments, pulling of the lever 122 may move aphysical obstacle out of the rotational path of the bail 126. In otherembodiments, pulling of the lever 122 may mechanically or electricallyconnect the bail 126 and the linkage 126. Other mechanisms, such asbuttons, switches, toggles, dials, etc., may serve as release mechanismsto release the interlock 128. In some embodiments, conventionalmechanical rotational interlocks or electrical switches (e.g., signaldisconnects) are used as the interlock.

In general, integration of the starter system with a handle of outdoorpower equipment allows the operator to start the engine from the rear ofthe outdoor power equipment, such as several feet from the powered toolof the outdoor power equipment (e.g., snow thrower auger, lawn mowerblades). Further, the integration supports an electric starting systemfor a walk behind mower that can be engaged by a user without actuationof a key or push-button. In other embodiments, the starter system mayinclude a start button or other interface to engage the starter systemthat is located on the engine or elsewhere. For example, in contemplatedembodiments, such an interface may include a smart phone application orremote control that wirelessly provides a start command or authorizationcode to a receiver coupled to the outdoor power equipment.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the starter system furtherincludes an energy storage device 130 (e.g., electrical storage device)and a controller 132. The energy storage device 130 may include one ormore batteries, capacitors, or other devices. When the operator engagesthe starter system, the linkage 124 communicates the command to startthe engine directly or indirectly to the controller 132, whichelectrically connects the energy storage device 130 to power the motor120. In some embodiments, the controller 132 is coupled to a governor ofthe engine 112 (see, e.g., speed sensor 420 as shown in FIG. 4), anddisengages the motor 120 (e.g., cuts power to the motor 120, high-sideswitching of the battery power source, low-side switching of the groundside of the circuit) when the engine 112 is running at a sufficientspeed.

In some embodiments, the motor 120, the energy storage device 130, andthe controller 132 are fastened directly to the engine 112, which may beconfigured for efficient assembly of outdoor power equipment using theengine 112. As such, the starter system in some embodiments may comefully assembled with the engine 112 and ready for connection to alinkage configured to provide a signal from the handle (e.g., linkage124). In some embodiments, an interface (e.g., start button, toggle,switch) for starting the engine is positioned on the engine itself, andno additional connections are necessary—the manufacturer need onlyattach the engine to the deck or corresponding feature and attach thetool to the power takeoff of the engine. In any such case, considerabletime and effort may be saved during the manufacturing process and apotential source of manufacturing difficulty may be removed (i.e., thatassociated with the fastening and electrical connection of thecomponents of the starter system during assembly of the outdoor powerequipment). In still other embodiments, some or all of the starterassembly may be fastened to the deck of a lawn mower or correspondingfeature of other power equipment.

Referring to FIGS. 2-3, handles 210, 310 for outdoor power equipment,such as a lawn mower, rotary tiller, snow thrower, etc., each include abail 212, 312 and an interlock 214, 314 with a release button 216, 316.In contemplate embodiments, the release button 216, 316 may release thebail 212, 312 from being interlocked by allowing the bail 212, 312 tomove, or by coupling the bail 212, 312 and linkage 124. In FIG. 2, therelease button 216 is to the side of the bail 212, while in FIG. 3, therelease button 316 for the interlock 314 is on top of the bail 312. Therelease button 216 of FIG. 2 may disengage a member from blockingmovement of the bail, while the release button 316 may connect the bail312 and linkage 124. In other contemplated embodiments, release buttonsor other release mechanisms may be positioned elsewhere on the handle,the engine, or on another component of the outdoor power equipment.

Still referring to FIGS. 2-3, in other contemplated embodiments, thebuttons 216, 316 may be used to provide a signal directly or indirectlyto a motor to start an engine, without regard to the bail 212, 312.However, integrating the buttons 216, 316 with the bail 212, 312 allowsfor a two-step process to start the engine (i.e., release interlock andoperate bail), while synergistically using the operation of the bail212, 312 to both release the brake as well as to engage the starter. Instill other embodiments, other forms of interlocks and releasemechanisms for the interlocks may be used, such as a biased lever (seelever 122 of interlock 128 as shown in FIG. 1), latch, thumb-printreader, etc.

In some embodiments, a three-step process is used to engage the powerequipment, such as first disabling or releasing an interlock; secondpresenting a key, a code, or other device to release an access-controlmechanism (e.g., lock out, lock); and third pulling the bail. Inalternate embodiments, the key hole or interface for the access-controlmechanism may be positioned on the handle or on the engine.

Referring to FIG. 4, outdoor power equipment 410 (shown schematically)includes an engine 412 and a powered tool 414 (e.g., rotary blade)driven by the engine 412. In some embodiments, a motor 416 is coupled tothe engine 412, and the powered tool 414 is coupled to a power takeoff418 of the engine 412. A speed sensor 420 (e.g., governor) may becoupled to the engine 412 to regulate the speed of the engine 412. Also,a brake 422 may be coupled to a rotary member of the outdoor powerequipment 410, such as the flywheel of the engine, the power takeoff 418of the engine, etc., to stop the engine as well as the associatedpowered tool.

In some embodiments, the outdoor power equipment 410 includes a handle424 having a release mechanism 426, where the release mechanism 426 isconfigured to allow a user to release the brake 422 from the handle 424.The release mechanism 426 may allow a user to release the brake 422 byengaging the bail (or other element) with a linkage connected to thebrake 422, or by disengaging an element blocking movement of the bail.The handle 424 may be coupled to the engine 412 and tool 414 directly,or via an intermediary member (e.g., deck 114 as shown in FIG. 1). Theengine 412 may further include a battery 428 for powering the motor 416and a control system 430 for operating the motor 416.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the control system 430 isconfigured to receive inputs associated with the release mechanism 426.In some embodiments, when the release mechanism 426 is actuated torelease the brake 422, the release mechanism 426 triggers a switch 432,which provides to the control system 430 a signal that is indicative ofthe release of the brake 422. The signal may be provided via amechanical linkage, wirelessly, a hardwired electrical connection, orotherwise. In some embodiments, the control system 430 then actuates themotor 416 to start the engine 412 or uses the information in controllogic configured to start the engine as a function of the status of thebrake and other factors. As such, operation of the release mechanism 426may simultaneously provide a start signal to the control system 430 aswell as release the brake 422. No additional operations to start theengine 412 may be required.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the control system 430 isconfigured to receive additional inputs from the speed sensor 420 oranother component of the engine 412 (e.g., ignition circuit). The speedsensor 420 or other component provides the control system 430 withinformation associated with the speed of the engine 412. When the engine412 is running at a sufficient speed, the control system 430 thendisengages the motor 416 (e.g., turns off, disconnects, cuts power to,etc.).

In contemplated embodiments, the control system 430 associated with thestart system may receive additional or different inputs used to controlstarting of the engine, such input from a sensor configured to indicatewhether the outdoor power equipment has moved recently. Movement of anaxle or wheels of such outdoor power equipment may trigger a sensor thatprovides a signal to the control system. The signal, in combination withan electric timer providing time-related context for the movement, mayserve as an additional indicator that the operator intends to activatethe engine. In contemplated embodiments, the control system 430 includesa timer and is configured to deactivate the motor if the engine has notstarted within a predetermined amount of time. In some contemplatedembodiments, the control system 430 includes a temperature sensor and isconfigured to prime the engine with an automated primer pump or adjustthe choke or throttle plate if ambient temperature is above or below apredetermined temperature, if a portion of the engine is above or belowa predetermined temperature, or if the difference between ambient andengine temperature is above or below a predetermined amount. Incontemplated embodiments, the control system 430 may also provide asignal output to the operator, such as a visible indicator on a displaycoupled to the handle or engine, or an audible alert. In some suchembodiments, the signal output may include as an error message, alow-fuel message, a replace-oil message, or another such message.

Referring to FIG. 5, components of a system 510 include a brake cable512 (e.g., Bowden cable) and a brake pad 514 for an associated engine ofoutdoor power equipment. According to an exemplary embodiment, the brakecable 512 is configured to be coupled to the bail of a handle of outdoorpower equipment (see, e.g., bails 126, 212, and 312 as shown in FIGS.1-3). When an operator activates the bail, the brake cable 512 moves apivot 516 coupled to the brake pad 514. The brake pad 514 then releases,allowing the engine associated with the system 510 to drive a poweredtool of the outdoor power equipment.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the engine associated with thesystem 510 further includes a starter system including a switch 518, anelectronic control 520, a battery 522, and an electric starter motor524. When the operator activates the bail to lift the brake pad 514, thepivot 516 simultaneously activates the switch 518. The switch 518 thenprovides a signal to the electronic control 520 that the brake pad 514has been lifted and that the electronic control 520 may start the engineassociated with the system 510 with the electric starter 524. Theelectronic control 520 then connects the electric starter 524 to thebattery 522. The switch 518 may be a switch already associated with thebrake, but used to provide signals to both an actuator of the brake andthe starter system (e.g., ignition ground), or the switch 518 may be anadditional switch solely used for the starter system.

Still referring to FIG. 5, the electronic control 520 includeshard-wired circuitry and is configured to receive additional inputs fromthe engine associated with the system 510. In some embodiments, theadditional inputs include an indication of the speed of the engineassociated with the system 510 from a governor or other component of theengine (e.g., electrical pulses from the ignition system). Theadditional inputs may include a current state of the engine associatedwith the system 510, such as whether the engine associated with thesystem 510 is running, etc. The starter system is also coupled to aground 526.

Referring to FIGS. 6-9, an engine 610 includes an exhaust 612, a fueltank 614, an engine cover 616, an air intake 618 for combustionprocesses, an air intake 620 for cooling the engine, and a startersystem having an energy storage device, such as a battery 622, acapacitor, multiple batteries or capacitors, or another energy storagedevice. Applicants note that the engine 610 of FIGS. 6-9 mirrors theengine 112 of FIG. 1, and both are single-cylinder, four-stroke cycle,vertically-shafted, small engines. Other engine types and designs may beused, such as engines that are horizontally-shafted, two- or morecylindered, diesel powered, cold-weather structured, etc.

Although shown as proximate to the fuel tank 614 and exhaust 612 inFIGS. 6 and 8-9, the energy storage device may be positioned elsewhereon the exterior and/or in an internal port of the engine 610. In someembodiments, where the energy storage device is sensitive to hightemperature, it may be preferred to position the energy storage deviceaway from the exhaust 612, which may become hot during operation of theengine 610.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the energy storage device isconfigured to power a starter motor (see, e.g., motor 120 as shown inFIG. 1) integrated with the engine 610. In some embodiments, the energystorage device may be further configured to power other systems of theengine 610, such as an engine control unit (ECU) having controlcircuitry coupled to sensors or detectors integrated with the engine(e.g., brake release, fuel-level detector, ignition-fouling detector,governor, etc.).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the energy storage device is thebattery 622, which is rechargeable. As shown in FIG. 7, the battery 622may be charged at a charging station 624 or may include a charging portintegrated with the battery (e.g., battery pack with charging port toreceive a connection from a wire coupled to an outlet or the chargingstation). The battery 622, in other embodiments, may alternatively plugdirectly into a wall outlet, or the charging station may be wall mountedor plug directly into a wall outlet.

In some embodiments, the energy storage device is or includes a bank ofcapacitors, where the capacitors are configured to charge and releaseelectrical energy in a relatively short (e.g., less than 10 seconds),high-powered output. In some such embodiments, some of the capacitors ofthe bank are coupled with one another in groups (e.g., series orparallel), and the groups are configured to output sequentially in timewith respect to one another. Accordingly, the capacitors arespecifically configured to be able to power the motor to start theengine 610 without much additional energy storage capacity so as to berelatively compact in size and inexpensive. Use of capacitors may alsoallow for faster charging when compared to batteries, such as fastercharging on the charging station 624 (FIG. 7).

In contemplated embodiments, the starter motor is configured to drawpower from the engine 610, such as during periods of lesser loads on theengine. The starter motor is then driven by the engine 610 to provide anelectric output. The electric output may then be routed by the ECU orotherwise to the charge the energy storage device. Such a system may beparticularly useful for an engine driving an alternator of a portablegenerator, where the alternator may temporarily be powered by the energystorage device to start the engine and then, once the engine hasstarted, the alternator may be used to recharge the energy storagedevice.

Referring to FIG. 8, the battery is configured to be inserted (e.g.,dropped, lowered, placed) into a receiving port 626 integrated with theengine. Integrating the receiving port with the engine reduces theassembly burdens for manufacturing outdoor power equipment, as disclosedabove. However in contemplated embodiments, the receiving port may notbe integrated with the engine. For example, FIG. 7 shows a chargingstation 624 or charging port, which may be similar to such a port on adeck of the engine.

In some embodiments, the battery 622 has a cross section forming anisosceles trapezoid, triangle, diamond, or other wedge shape, or shapehaving a narrower lower portion 628 relative to an upper portion 630 incontact with the receiving port 626. The receiving port 626 is contoured(e.g., V-shaped, U-shaped, etc.) to receive the battery 622, which maybe guided into position by interfacing with the contours of thereceiving port 626 and gravity.

In some embodiments, the battery 622 includes slots or grips 632 forlifting and holding the battery 622. A locking mechanism, such as a hookor latch may snap into place when the battery 622 is inserted into thereceiving port 626 and hold the battery 622 in the receiving port 626.Pinching the grips 632 together may release the locking mechanism toallow removal of the battery 622 from the receiving port 626.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the starter system furtherincludes a switch 636 (e.g., toggle, lever, key) that is integrated withthe battery 622, the receiving port 626, or elsewhere on the engine 610.As shown in FIGS. 8-9, the switch 636 may rotate from an off position(FIG. 8), where the battery 622 is not electrically connected tocomponents of the engine 610 (e.g., starter motor, ECU), to an onposition (FIG. 9), where the battery 622 is electrically connected tothe components. In other embodiments, rotation of the switch 636 also oralternatively engages the locking mechanism to hold the battery 622 inthe receiving port 626. In various contemplated embodiments, the switch636 may be configured to interrupt electrical connectivity of thebattery, the control circuit, or both.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the starter system includes aninterface, such as a button 634 on the receiving port 626. The button634 faces outward and is accessible when the battery 622 is seated inthe receiving port 626. In some embodiments, the interface allows theoperator to start the engine via the starter system. In otherembodiments, the interface may be used to initiate charging of thebattery or another function.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the electrical control circuitsshown in FIGS. 10-11 are each configured provide hard-wired logic for astarter system according to the disclosure provided herein. In someembodiments, each circuit contains essentially all analog parts. In someembodiments, each circuit or another such circuit is configured todetect when the bail closes (or opens) a switch (see, e.g., switch 518as shown in FIG. 5). In other embodiments, a circuit is configured tosense when the brake is pulled (see, e.g., brake pad 514 as shown inFIG. 5), and then to enable ignition of the engine. In othercontemplated embodiments, a circuit may be further configured to sensevibration of the engine or Venturi vacuum strength in the carburetor,and cut power to the motor when the associated information indicatesthat the engine is running.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the circuits of FIGS. 10-11 arecontained on circuit boards that are integrated with the engine (see,e.g., controller 132 as shown in FIG. 1), and may be fully powered bythe battery or other on-board source. Accordingly, the circuits mayrequire no electrical interface to components of the lawn mower or otheroutdoor power equipment aside from those carried by or integrated withthe engine. No additional wiring or hook ups are required. Accordingly,the assembly process for the associated outdoor power equipment may beimproved, as discussed above.

Referring now to FIG. 12, a pressure washer system 710 includes theengine 610 of FIG. 6. To start the engine 610, an operator may press thebutton 634 shown in FIGS. 8-9. In some such embodiments, braking of thesystem may occur via an ignition interrupt that prevents sparks fromigniting fuel and air in a combustion chamber of the engine 610.Resistance provided by the water pump of the pressure washer system 710then slows (i.e., brakes) the engine 610. In other contemplatedembodiments, an engine of a portable generator may use a similar startersystem and battery 622, as well as a similar braking system. Powerprovided by the generator may be used to charge the battery 622 of thestarter system.

The construction and arrangements of the starter system for an engine,as shown in the various exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only.Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in thisdisclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Someelements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwisevaried, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions maybe altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logicalalgorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according toalternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes andomissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions andarrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing fromthe scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A lawn mower, comprising: an internal combustionengine; a rotary tool driven by the internal combustion engine; anelectric motor coupled to the internal combustion engine and configuredto start the internal combustion engine; a receiving port mounted to theinternal combustion engine; an energy storage device configured to beselectively inserted into and removed from the receiving port withouttools; a first user interface; and a second user interface; wherein theelectric motor starts the internal combustion engine upon actuation ofthe first user interface and the second user interface.
 2. The lawnmower of claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanism for securingthe energy storage device in the receiving port.
 3. The lawn mower ofclaim 2, wherein the energy storage device includes a movable grip forreleasing the locking mechanism to allow removal of the energy storagedevice from the receiving port.
 4. The lawn mower of claim 2, whereinthe energy storage device includes a pair of movable grips configured tobe pinched together by a user to release the locking mechanism and allowremoval of the energy storage device from the receiving port.
 5. Thelawn mower of claim 1, wherein the first user interface comprises a bailand the second user interface comprises an electrical switch.
 6. Thelawn mower of claim 5, wherein the electrical switch comprises a button.7. The lawn mower of claim 1, wherein the first user interface comprisesa bail and the second user interface comprises a mechanical interlock.8. The lawn mower of claim 1, wherein the first user interface comprisesa bail and the second user interface comprises an electrical interlock.9. The lawn mower of claim 1, wherein the energy storage device includesa charging port configured to receive a connection for charging theenergy storage device.
 10. The lawn mower of claim 1, further comprisinga charging station, wherein the energy storage device is configured tobe selectively coupled to the charging station for charging the energystorage device.
 11. The lawn mower of claim 1, further comprising aswitch for selectively electrically coupling the energy storage deviceto the electric motor, wherein in an off position of the switch, theenergy storage device is not electrically coupled to the electric motor,and wherein in an on position of the switch, the energy storage deviceis electrically coupled to the electric motor.
 12. The lawn mower ofclaim 11, further comprising a locking mechanism for securing the energystorage device in the receiving port, wherein the locking mechanism isengaged when the switch is in the on position and disengaged when theswitch is in the off position.